Will SPD affect my chances of having a home birth?

[Ruidh]

Haven't spoken to my MW about homebirth yet but have no complications so far.
However, in the past day or two my hip joints have been quite painful when I walk. I'm hoping its just temporary but worried it might be SPD and get worse!!

Could this affect my chances of having a home birth?

I don't know for sure but don't see why it would. I had pelvic girdle pain (SPD) and was on crutches from 22 weeks. It was so horrific and my midwife had told me I would need to give birth on all fours. Actually I gave birth on my back and didn't even notice the PGP pain, in fact as soon as labour kicked in I didn't even notice the PGP pain!! I don't think it causes complications in terms of giving birth unless you can't open your legs to actually give birth. I couldn't open my legs during pregnancy because of the pain BUT as I say for me that dissapeared during labour.

Phew! Thanks for that reply. Just the thought of hospitals give me panic attacks. I don't care what position I give birth in as long as it is not in a hospital!

I've had two natural births suffering from severe SPD, and I don't see any reason why it should affect a home birth. Just keep in mind while you labour that even though you may not feel the pain of the SPD you can still do damage to your pelvis and activate the SPD by opening your pelvis too far. So discuss positions etc with your midwife in advance, and be aware of how far you can open your legs comfortably. Good luck

*aggravate not activate

I had bad spd with ds1 but had a home birth.

We needed to go to the dreaded hospital when he was born though to get him checked out as he'd had a poo on his way out.

I wanted a home birth with ds2 but wasn't allowed.
That was due to an enormous fibroid, not spd.

Good luck :)

I have not particularly bad spd (no crutches) and gave birth to DD in a pool in the dining room. My pelvis is very sore now, though, so I second the advice to talk it through with your midwife or home birth team.

I would definitely recommend the pool: it was brilliant for pain relief and you can get into different positions in it.

I have asked my husband to buy me a pool for my birthday!!! He looked at me like im mental (which I probably am) but seem enthusiastic about my choices.

Thanks for the advice. Going to see the MW next week so hopefully she will be on board. Also going to a Home Birthing Group to find out all the ins and outs.

Good on you! Hold fire on buying a pool, though: our local friendly maternity hospital lent us one for free (and it was fine, not at all manky or 2nd hand looking and had a sterile liner).

You need a bit of prep & some kit but it was so worth it: if I was ever going to do it again I'd have another HB.

Thanks openerofjars that is good to know. I very much doubt they will be that helpful here, if pas experience is anything to go by, but definitely woth finding out!
Hypno CD on its way too!
I'm getting a bit excited about the whole thing! I'm sure I'm going to peak too early.